Hedge Maintenance for Wildlife

Hedges are collectively the largest wildlife reserve in the UK. Together we can help millions of birds, mammals, insects and ourselves.

40% of UK hedges are ancient which is an estimated 95,000 miles of ancient hedges.

During the 20th century, an estimated half of all hedgerows have been lost from the countryside.

We would love you to help us get back to 100% of good hedgerows.

Some things we can do

Your simple garden hedge will make a difference for many birds and insects. Birds need to feed insects to their young.

Replant areas that had a hedge and infill poor gappy hedges.

Landowners and local environmental groups can improve existing hedges by infilling, laying and have better cutting regimes.

Laying a Hedge

A selected stem is partially cut close to the base at an angle. The cut must be deep enough for the stem to flex, but shallow enough to keep the stem alive which surprisingly can be up to 90% of the width. The stem is then bent over carefully, usually at about 35–45 degrees. The pleachers (cut trees) are laid in an uphill direction. Depending on the regional style, stakes may be inserted to help stabilise the hedge.

Some styles use long flexible rods, traditionally hazel or willow, that is woven along the tops of the stakes. These binders strengthen the hedge and improve appearance.

Cutting a Hedge

There is little point laying your hedge if cutting is not done to maximise the its benefit. Ideally a new hedge should be cut (excluding sight lines) on just one side each year in late autumn at an increment cut of 4” / 100mm. This allows two sides to fruit to form the second year's growth and provides a home for overwintering insects to survive.

For more information, see Hedgelink which is an amazing repository for anything hedge related.

New Hedge or Infilling

A great source of information from the Tree Council is their guide on Hedge Planting & Growing.

Be cautious if planting blackthorn in a hedge if the edges are not cut or grazed as the trees will sucker out into the land either side.

Examples of Hedges

A nicely thickened hedge that had not been cut on the top last year.

A great hedge species that is rich and full of life.

The remains of an old hedge that needs cutting back and replanting.

A new planted hedge showing its first cut was very high, but could be laid if left.

Not all hedges need to be a 'living' hedge. A wildlife hedge can be made from branches and cuttings.

Some of the Hedges that We've Laid

Church Fields Car Park in Boston Spa

Our first hedge newly laid in Jan 2023 along the High Street
Our first hedge after its second spring along the High Street
Second year of laid hedge
Some awkward planting turned into a hedge with a double bend

Top Riverside Footpath at Church Fields in Boston Spa

Section of hedge lost
Thin section of hedge line in need of laying and additional planting
Finished hedge

Harewood Estate

Hedges that we helped to lay in Jan/Feb 2025.

Planted hedge ready for laying
Finished Hedge
Finished hedge

Walton/Wetherby Road

This is a private hedge that was prime for laying, so we spoke with the owners and they were happy for us to lay it for them which we did in the winter of 2025/2026. This has allowed us to improve the wildlife corridor from the section of the old railway line at Thorp Arch.

Starting the hedge
Finished hedge
Finished hedge